Foldable support and cover flaps for a sewing machine

ABSTRACT

The sewing machine has flaps hinged to the frame forming a carrying case therewith and are foldable downwards to form a worktable. The flaps are hinged along the base of the machine and are in two portions with connecting hinges enabling the outer edges of the flaps to rest on the base clear of the free arm. The connecting hinges have two hinging axis positions laterally separated and parallelly separated by a slideway, enabling the flaps to form a worktable either flush with the top surface of the free arm or below and clear of the latter. A lug holds the two portions blocked for the packing position of the flaps. A front flap may be one piece or of two hinged portions and attached to the front edge of the base.

United States atent Fresard 1 Mar.7,1972

[54] FOLDABLIE SUPPORT AND COVER FLAPS FOR A SEWING MACHINE [72] Inventor: Marcel Fresard, Petit-Lancy, Geneva,

21 Appl. No.: 2,525

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 24, 1969 Switzerland ..1075/69 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I Schaper ..1 12/258 x FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 484,288 7/1953 Italy ..112/258 500,197 6/1930 Germany ..1 12/260 543,848 2/1932 Germany ..1 12/ 260 1,131,710 10/1968 England ..112/258 Primary Examiner-Jordan Franklin Assistant ExaminerGeorge I-I. Krizmanich AttarneyEm0ry L. Grolf and Emory L. Grofi', Jr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT The sewing machine has flaps hinged to the frame forming a carrying case therewith and are foldable downwards to form a worktable. The flaps are hinged along the base of the machine and are in two portions with connecting hinges enabling the outer edges of the flaps to rest on the base clear of the free arm. The-connecting hinges have two hinging axis positions laterally separated and parallelly separated by a slideway, enabling the flaps to form a worktable either flush with the top surface of the free arm or below and clear of the latter. A lug holds the two portions blocked for the packing position of the flaps. A front flap may be one piece or of two hinged portions and attached to the front edge of the base.

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMAR 7 I972 SHEET 1 [1F 2 INVENTOR We (:54 FfEifil/Bb ATTORNEY PATENTEUMAR H912 3,646,900

sum 2 BF 2 INVENTOR FOLDABLE SUPPORT AND COVER FLAPS FOR A SEWING MACHINE The present invention relates to a sewing machine, comprising a frame formed from a base, a column, a lower free arm, an upper arm and a head. Flaps are hinged to the base to enable them, when they are placed up against the frame, to form a case therewith. The flaps are folded down in the working position of the machine.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved sewing machine of the aforesaid type.

According to the invention, there is provided a sewing machine of the aforesaid type, wherein the flaps are hinged along the base of the machine. At least the flaps intended to cover the principal side surfaces of the machine are formed of upper and lower portions hinged to one another so as to enable folding down of the two portions of each flap one against the other permitting the outer edge of the upper portion to be supported, in the operating position of the machine, on the base of the machine clearing the free arm.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood one embodiment of a sewing machine according to the invention is described below, purely by way of illustrative but nonlimiting example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of said embodiment in packed position for transportation or storage;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing said embodiment in operating position, with a normal flat base;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 2, showing the sewing machine in working position, with lower free arm cleared; and

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the upper and lower portion of a flap.

Referring to the drawing, this machine comprises a frame 1 formed by a base 2, a column 3, a lower free arm 4, an upper arm 5 and a head 6. It is in the upper arm 5 that the actuating mechanism of the needle bar 7 is placed, as well as the support for the cloth presser foot shaft bar 8.

In the lower free arm 4 is arranged the actuating mechanism of the transport claw 9, as well as the bobbin supplying the lower thread.

On the long sides 10 and 11 of the base 2 are hinged flaps 12, 13 respectively, extending over the entire length of the frame 1 of the sewing machine. Each of these flaps 12 and 13 is formed of two panels 14, respectively, hinged to one another.

As shown in FIG. 4, the hinging of these two panels 14 and 15 to one another is done by means of a device enabling such hinging to be carried out along two spaced apart parallel axes. In fact, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper panel 15 is hinged along an axis 16 at the end of a part 17 capable of sliding in a slideway 18 formed in the lower panel 14. Such a device with a part 17 and a slide 18 is arranged at the two opposite ends of the panels 14 and 15. This assembly is provided so that the upper panel 15 can occupy three different positions with respect to the lower panel 14. In a first position, while the part 17 and the slideway 18 are in retracted position, the two panels 14 and 15 are disposed coextensive with and adjacent to each other. In this first position, a lug l9 fixed on the inner side of the panel 14 and which extends toward the panel 15, prevents or blocks hinging of the two panels 14 and 15 with respect to one another. his in this first position that the panels 14 and 15 must be placed to enable the raising of the flaps 12 and 13 to place the sewing machine into a storage or portable position, such as shown in FIG. 1.

If a certain pull is exerted on the upper panel 15, when a corresponding flap 12 or 13 has been folded down, the first position is changed to a second position caused by a displacement over a certain length of the parts 17 in their related slideways 18. This displacement is effected over a slight distance which brings the axis of the hinge 16 into the position 16a. When the panels 14 and 15 are arranged with respect to one another so that their hinge axis is located in the position 16a, it is possible to fold the panel 15 down against the panel 14 and thus to bring the outer edge 20 to the level of the upper surface 21 of the free arm 4 in the position shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the flaps 12 and 13 then provide, on one hand, a work surface enlarging the upper surface 21 of the free arm 4, and, on the other hand, provide ramps facilitating the movement of pieces of material to be sewed towards the upper surface 21, that is to say towards the transport claw 9 of the sewing machine.

If the panels 15 are lifted from the position shown in FIG. 2 so as to exert a new pull on each panel 15 to bring the parts 17 into a maximum extended position in their respective slideways 18, there is obtained a third position of the slide mechanism corresponding to the maximum position of the hinge axis 16 with respect to the panel 14. If the panels 15 are then folded down against the respective panels 14, the outer edge 20 of each panel 15 is supported on the base 2 of the sewing machine in the vicinity of the hinge point of each flap l2, 13 respectively, along the base 2 thereby clearing the free arm 4 entirely as shown in FIG. 3. It is to be noted that the outer edge 20 of each flap l2 and 13 has a cutout portion 22 enabling the engagement of the panels 15 around the column 3 of the sewing machine.

This sewing machine comprises a third flap 23 hinged at the front edge 24 of the base 2 and intended to form the lower part of the front wall of the casing protecting the sewing machine in closed position (see FIG. 1). The upper part of this front wall is formed by a flap 25 hinged along its edge 26 to the head 6 of the sewing machine. This flap 25 is capable of occupying two positions, a raised position in which it is applied against the head 6 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and a lowered position in which it closes the space between the head 6 and the free arm 4. Of course, conventional retaining means, not shown, are provided for ensuring the maintenance of these flaps 12, 13 and 23 in raised position, and the flap 25 respectively in lowered position, when the machine is closed (FIG. 1). Such retaining means may comprise spring devices of the clasp or spring-catch-type, for example. Such retaining means is also necessary to hold the flap 25 in the operating position of the machine, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

To facilitate the transportation of the sewing machine in a closed position, the machine includes a handle 27 hinged to the upper part of the frame 1, the said part having slots 28 enabling the folding down of this handle 27, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the machine is in working position.

Numerous variations of execution of this sewing machine could be envisaged. Thus, the flaps l2 and 13, instead of extending over their whole length of the frame 1 of the sewing machine, could extend only over the length of the free arm 4 and be applied against the edge of the column 3 or against a step, provided on the said column 3. Such an arrangement could be provided so that in closed position, the outer surface of the flaps 12 and 13 is flush with the corresponding outer surface of the column 3.

As regards the front flaps 23 and 25, these, of course, could be combined in a single flap hinged to the edge 24 of the base 2.

As for the device with the part 17 and the slideway l8 enabling the hinge axis 16 of the panels 14 and 15 to be brought into three different positions, it could be replaced by a link device. Similarly, the blocking device could be formed by any blocking device of known structure replacing the plate 19.

As another variation, it would be possible to hinge the flaps l2 and 13 along the long sides of the base 2 by means of detachable hinges enabling the flaps 12 and 13 to be separated from frame 1, which would permit the machine to be used by entirely freeing the frame and especially the front edge of the base 2.

In another embodiment, it would also be possible to eliminate the flaps 23 and 25 and to leave the front part of the sewing machine open when in closed position.

lclaim:

l. A sewing machine comprising a frame formed by a base, a column, a lower free arm, an upper arm and a head, flaps provided along the front and sides of said frame, first hinge means connecting said flaps to said base to enable them, when they are applied against the frame to form a case therewith, said flaps being folded down in the operating position of the machine, the flaps shielding the principal sides surfaces of the machine being formed of two parts, an upper part and a lower part, hinged to one another by second hinge means enabling lowering of the two parts of the flaps against one another and the outer edge of the upper part to be supported, in operating position of the machine, on said base thereby clearing the free arm.

2. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein said second hinge means comprise a device enabling the two parts of the flaps to be selectively hingeable along two parallel axes separated from one another by a distance such that when the two parts are hinged along a first said axis enabling the maximum spacing of one with respect to the other of the said parts, the outer edge of the upper part of the flaps can then rest, in folded down position, on the base, while when the two parts are hinged to one another along a second said axis to bring them as close together as possible, the outer edge of the upper part of the flaps is in folded down position at the level of the upper surface of the free arm, the flaps then constituting a worktable and ramps facilitating the bringing up of parts to be sewn towards said upper surface.

3. A sewing machine according to claim 1, comprising a device mounted on the top edge of the lower parts of the flaps enabling the blocking of the hinging of the abutting two parts of each flap when they are arranged in extension of one another.

4. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechanism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in the most extended position of the two said parts.

5. A sewing machine according to claim 2, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechanism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in. the most extended position of the twosaid parts.

6. A sewing machine according to claim 3, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechanism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in the most extended position of the two said parts.

7. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flap provided along the front side of said frame is a third flap hinged at the front edge of the base to form the lower part of the front wall of the case, the upper part of said wall having a flap hinged to the head of the sewing machine and capable of occupying two positions, a raised position in which it is applied against the head and a lowered position by which it closes the space between the head and the free arm.

8. A sewing machine according to claim 2, wherein the flap provided along the front side of said frame is a third flap hinged at the front edge of the base to form the lower part of the front wall of the case, the upper part of said wall having a flap hinged to the head of the sewing machine and capable of occupying two positions, a raised position in which it is applied against the head and a lowered position by which it closes the space between the head and the free arm,

9. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flaps hinged on the principal side surfaces of the machine extend over the whole length of the latter.

10. A sewing machine according to claim 8, wherein the flaps hinged on the principal side surfaces of the machine extend over the whole length of the latter. 

1. A sewing machine comprising a frame formed by a base, a column, a lower free arm, an upper arm and a head, flaps provided along the front and sides of said frame, first hinge means connecting said flaps to said base to enable them, when they are applied against the frame to form a case therewith, said flaps being folded down in the operating position of the machine, the flaps shielding the principal sides surfaces of the machine being formed of two parts, an upper part and a lower part, hinged to one another by second hinge means enabling lowering of the two parts of the flaps against one another and the outer edge of the upper part to be supported, in operating position of the machine, on said base thereby clearing the free arm.
 2. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein said second hinge means comprise a device enabling the two parts of the flaps to be selectively hingeable along two parallel axes separated from one another by a distance such that when the two parts are hinged along a first said axis enabling the maximum spacing of one with respect to the other of the said parts, the outer edge of the upper part of the flaps can then rest, in folded down position, on the base, while when the two parts are hinged to one another along a second said axis to bring them as close together as possible, the outer edge of the upper part of the flaps is in folded down position at the level of the upper surface of the free arm, the flaps then constituting a worktable and ramps facilitating the bringing up of parts to be sewn towards said upper surface.
 3. A sewing machine according to claim 1, comprising a device mounted on the top edge of the lower parts of the flaps enabling the blocking of the hinging of the abutting two parts of each flap when they are arranged in extension of one another.
 4. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechanism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in the most extended position of the two said parts.
 5. A sewing machine according to claim 2, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechaNism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in the most extended position of the two said parts.
 6. A sewing machine according to claim 3, wherein said second hinge means comprises a sliding mechanism capable of occupying at least three positions, a first said position with retracted slide in which the two parts of the flaps are abutting and the upper part is blocked with respect to the lower part against independent pivotal movement toward the frame, a second said position with slight extension of the slide corresponding to hinging in intermediate position of the two parts with respect to one another, and a third said position with maximum extension of said slide corresponding to hinging in the most extended position of the two said parts.
 7. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flap provided along the front side of said frame is a third flap hinged at the front edge of the base to form the lower part of the front wall of the case, the upper part of said wall having a flap hinged to the head of the sewing machine and capable of occupying two positions, a raised position in which it is applied against the head and a lowered position by which it closes the space between the head and the free arm.
 8. A sewing machine according to claim 2, wherein the flap provided along the front side of said frame is a third flap hinged at the front edge of the base to form the lower part of the front wall of the case, the upper part of said wall having a flap hinged to the head of the sewing machine and capable of occupying two positions, a raised position in which it is applied against the head and a lowered position by which it closes the space between the head and the free arm.
 9. A sewing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flaps hinged on the principal side surfaces of the machine extend over the whole length of the latter.
 10. A sewing machine according to claim 8, wherein the flaps hinged on the principal side surfaces of the machine extend over the whole length of the latter. 